Background: Efficacy and safety of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) have been demonstrated in obese individuals. Yet, there is a paucity of data on the outcomes of PCNL in morbidly obese patients (body mass index [BMI] >40).Methods: Perioperative and stone-related outcomes following PCNL in morbidly obese patients was assessed using a prospective database administered by the Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society (CROES). A multidimensional match of 97 morbidly obese patients with those of normal weight was created using propensity score matching. Student’s t-test and Chi-square tests were used to assess for differences between the groups.Results: In total, 97 patients with a BMI >40 kg/m2 were matched by stone characteristics with 97 patients of normal weight. The morbidly obese population demonstrated higher rates of diabetes mellitus (43% vs. 6%, p < 0.001) and cardiovascular disease (56% vs. 18%, (p < 0.001). Access was achieved more frequently by radiologists in the morbidly obese group (19% vs. 6%, p = 0.016). Mean operative duration was longer in the morbidly obese group (112 ± 56 min vs. 86 ± 43.5 min, p < 0.001). Stone-free rates were lower in the morbidly obese group (66% vs. 77%, p = 0.071). There was no significant difference in length of hospital stay or transfusion rate. Morbidly obese patients were significantly more likely to experience a postoperative complication (22% vs. 6%, p = 0.004).Interpretation: PCNL in morbidly obese patients is associated with longer operative duration, higher rates of re-intervention and an increased risk of perioperative complications. With this knowledge, urologists should seek to develop strategies to optimize the perioperative management of such patients.
The Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Global Study: Nephrolithotomy in 189 Patients with Solitary Kidneys
